Victorian style

Dec26

Victorian style was named after Queen Victoria (1819-1901) reigning for 64 years. Her happy marriage with Prince Albert and her strong personality determined the whole British society of the time.
The most characteristic features of Victorian style are family-centeredness, morals and home comfort. The wealth of the middle class became better, this way not only the nobility could afford to have a big house or buy expensive goods. Mass production appeared also which provided the purchasing of cheaper but quality materials and accessories (e.g. porcelain, upholstery fabrics).
Homes were transferred for protection of private life. Bedroom became a private area. The guests were received in the saloon, library or boudoir. Richly patterned curtains and carpets decorated the rooms, seating furniture had soft upholsteries and were comfortable. Women liked to make decorating objects by their own hands (e.g. bird nest and flower compositions, water-color paintings, needle-works, silhouettes), what’s more, decoupage, namely covering furniture and household objects with color pieces of papers, became fashionable also. The rooms were cluttered with furniture for providing to all the members of the family to find the favorite place. Fireplace provided the heating, gas lamps were used for lighting. Children commonly had a separated floor (mostly in the attic) where they could sleep and play. Family portraiture appeared in painting. Employing servants wasn’t the privilege of the nobility anymore. The servants had their place in a separate wing or in the basement, far from the life of the house, just as the serving rooms (kitchen, pantry, laundry). Hygiene became important also, although only a few houses had separate bathrooms but there was a washing cabinet with bowl and jug in every bedroom. The bathtub was also placed in the bedroom at the front of the fireplace for bathing. At this time the English flush toilet was widespread.
The World Exhibition in 1851 helped a lot to the trade of the country. People could meet the household and decorating objects and habits of remote lands. Later the Arts and Crafts movement brought back the golden age of handmade and unique products. Garden and gardening got an important role which was used for showing the wealth also. In terms of this, exotic plants and rare fruits were grown (e.g. pineapple, rhododendron). A kitchen garden was a must. Gothic had a revival in architecture and architectural elements.
This era has many beautiful features in style which create classic values and beauty in the modern society also. Use the help of an interior designer for creating a unique Victorian effect interior.

Grand Tour

Dec9

Fruits of XVIII. century „Grand Tour”

Louis-styles

Nov29

The interior design styles of the era between 1610 and 1793 in France are called Louis-styles after the four reigning kings.
Baroque was half-baked and the effect of Renaissance was strong under Louis XIII. (1601-1643). That’s why the interiors were moderately decorated. Although furniture was richly carved, they were natural in color and large-scaled. Their architectural elements were determining. Chairs are upholstered, most of them are not folding. Louvre was the seat of the king by this time. Impact of Baroque began at the end of his reign.
Louis XIV., the Sun-king (1638-1715) was the lover of pomp. Baroque reached its peak under his reign. The aim was using the more decorating motifs, gildings and exotic materials in every fine arts. He had the castle of Versailles rebuilt to a world famous palace of the king. Boulle is the most known name in the field of furniture, he became famous by his marquetry. He used ormolu, tortoise shells, brass, noble woods by chance. Mansart created lasting in architecture. He is known by the roof type named after him. The beauty of the gardens were the works of Le Nôtre. The geometrically arranged flower beds, fountains, long promenades are spectacular even nowadays. The colorful frescos and murals of Versailles are the works of Le Brun.
Louis XV. (1710-1774) was the great-grandson of the Sun-king. Rococo is the style of his era which was marked by over-decorating, shell motifs, chinoiserie and feminine interior details. The fashion was dictated by his two famous lovers, Madame Pompadour and Madame Du Barry. Porcelain manufacturing started, the lace-manufactures and silk-weavers were sponsored for the most splendid fabrics which were matched with goods from abroad. The walls were covered by fabrics or wallpapers, furniture were lacquered and painted, the decorating C and S pieces were used inordinately.
The reign of Louis XVI. (1754-1793) was the era of Classicism. The ancient Roman buildings, sculptures and household objects found in excavation of Pompei had a big influence on the people of the age. The stifling over-decoration was followed by a more moderated style: the decoration elements of ancient times were used again, the shapes of furniture became clear, the lines straightened. Even dressing fashion turned to a more comfortable direction. Patterns and decorations of idealized country life were used on fabrics, porcelains and other household objects.
The revolution terminated Louis-styles and the ancient régime also. Several buildings, paintings, valuable statues, porcelains etc. were perished during the huddle and terror of years because of the intentional vandalism and fire-raising of the mob. These are lost forever for posterity.
Fortunately, enough sources and pictures remained for falling in love with any of the Louis-styles and for desiring to implement them at home. A good interior designer can help to realize this dream by refreshing and fitting it to the sizes of present flats/houses.

Gustavian style

Nov12

When we talk about Scandinavian style, everyone associates to IKEA furniture, large white spaces and the sauna covered by wood. But this style has another, even more sophisticated face too.
This is Gustavian style, got the name from the Swedish king of the XVIII. century Gustav the third (1746-1792). In this era French was allied state, by this, lots of elements have been derived from the style of Louise XV. and XVI. These have been combined with English and Italian characteristics, which finally resulted the fine overall impression fitting to the Northern taste. Furnitures and decoration elements are displayed in a sleek design with muted colors. Main features of Gustav style: hues of white, gray, light yellow, light blue and beige, raw or painted wood in its natural colors, stenciling, chequered and striped fabrics, worn effect. Elegant, yet slightly rustic appearance of the interiors. Wooden flooring is often left in nature color with lacquer, but it can be painted white also. Walls are covered by painted wooden panels or plastery. As decoration, paintings (mainly portraits), medallions made of parget and mirrors with gildened frame are applied. The ceiling beams are often visible. The space itself is not crowded. Typical accessories are the crystal chandelier, a tiled stove and a large, standing clock. Furniture are made of wood (mostly birch), with light painting, sometimes gildening or painted motifs.
Perfect style for those, who love the cold Northern landscape, the fine pastel colors and the airily elegant atmosphere. If you would like an unusual Scandinavian interior, ask help from an interior designer.

William Morris

Oct28

„Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” This phrase became proverbial is the main principle of William Morris.
William Morris (1834-1896) was the leader of Arts and Crafts movement. One of the greatest British designer who created among others patterns for wallpapers, wall carpets, embroideries, fabrics and tiles, but he also designed and produced furniture and stained glass objects. The essence of the movement was to create value by bringing back the golden age of craftsmanship, opposed to mechanized mass production. In case of fabrics, he revived the vegetable dyeing techniques. The patterns he designed can be recognized immediately by their bright colors, they are rich and faithfully mimic the flora and fauna as well. He often drew inspiration from the art of the middle ages and the Arthurian legendary.
With his wife, in 1860 they moved to the “Red House” designed for them by Philipp Webb. There he could create and in addition to, he decorated and arranged their home also. The house has slowly filled by his different arts. In 1861 along with some of his friends, he established Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. company, which is still alive today under the name Morris & Co. Fabrics and wallpapers marked with his name still can be ordered, they can be a real focus point of our homes.
These patterns are very powerful, they are leading motifs in an interior. If you are impressed by this art and would like to admire it every day in your home, but you are uncertain because of the strong colors, ask help from an interior designer.

Chinoiserie

Sep19

Chinoiserie style was very popular in Europe in the XVIII. century. By the vivid trading activities with the East, at the early XVII. century a large amount of furniture, usage- and ornamentical objects, silk arrived to the continent. The fashion of chinoiserie has spread in France thanks to Madame Pompadour (1721-1764). As a mistress of the king, she defined the fashion and most of the orders are placed by her also. In England, the style got known by the drawings and plans of Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779), who was a brilliant designer and furniture maker.
Chinoiserie style appeared as a part of rococo. The porcelain from China has always held in high esteem, because its price, they took place in the interiors of the aristocrats. In 1709, the secret of manufacturing porcelain has been deciphered, since that time, the Chinese pieces could been copied. Main characteristics of the furnitures of the style was lacqering technique. This was a time consuming procedure, even 30-50-100 layers cover a piece. Black, red and green lacquers were the most popular. The best replica was Vernis Martin, but not as good as the original. Often applied with golden decorations for higher contrast. In Europe the wallpaper was also a novelty, till then only painting or upholstery covered the walls. Main motives of chinoiserie style are birds (parrots and cranes), dragons, monkeys, grids, flowery branches, chinese genres and landscapes as the central decorations of furnitures. The pierced-backed chair became popular such as the pagoda like structures on beds and vardrobes, the rice paper covered paravan and the bamboo-like carvings.
From these features an interior designer easily can create an interior that fits to the present taste, providing classic and elegant solution for the nowadays popular oriental style.

French Renaissance

Sep1

During the French Renaissance not only architectural and artistic works were outstanding, but the beauty of furnishing and comfort came into view also. This era is really hallmarked by two sovereigns: François I. (1494-1547) met the new trend following Gothic during his Italian campaigns. He immediately fell in love with the ornaments and anthropocentric vision. When he went home, he implemented these in France. Many Loire castles were built or rebuilt during his reign (e.g. Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry). He invited Leonardo Da Vinci in his court. Cathrine de Medici (1519-1589) was born is Florence and grew up in the heyday of Italian Renaissance. She took this love to France, where she got married with the future Henry II. As a regent she spent big amounts for furnishing castles, re-buildings (Louvre) and art treasures.
The three-dimensional effect is the characteristic of Renaissance living spaces: huge fireplaces, imposing marble staircases, big collective spaces. The stone walls were covered by richly patterned tapestries which protected partly against cold also. Beds had legs against the coldness of the floor and bugs, and they had canopy which provided not only the private area but protected against draught also. This time it was already common to welcome important guests in bed.
The first versions of wardrobes (dressoire, cabinets) appeared beside chests as main storages. These were richly carved, showing the wealth and rank of the owner also. Furniture had architectural forms: colonnade, arches, sill etc. Framed structure, marquetry, veneer and inlays were first used this time. Chairs could be fix or folding. Upholstery appeared (leather, velvet) which provided more comfortable seating. Tables are not take-apart anymore, they are sturdy and imposing pieces on columnar legs.
The court moved from one castle to another because the large household could be fed by a city and surroundings only for a limited time. In this case, all the furniture, tapestries, cutleries, wardrobes etc. were carried. Paris became the permanent seat of French kings at the end of the Renaissance (during the reign of Henry III. and IV.).
Interior of those times may seem to be a bit over-decorated and outdated from today’s standpoint. But the then feeling and creating artistic values can be implemented in modern surroundings also. Ask for help of an interior designer for this.